Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker, who had been suspended from the team since last October because of substance-abuse problems, was reinstated Wednesday by new coach John L. Smith.

Smoker was not idle during the latter days of his suspension. He took snaps with the first team during preseason practice and was in the team photo taken Aug. 8.

Smoker will compete for a starting position, Smith announced Wednesday.

"Jeff Smoker's recovery is an ongoing process, but he has done everything we have asked him to do," Smith said. "In fact, he has gone the extra mile. He's a goodhearted young man who deserved a second chance."

The quarterback competition for the Spartans' season opener Aug. 30 against Western Michigan will include redshirt freshman Drew Stanton and junior Damon Dowdell, Smoker's replacement last season.

Dowdell played in nine games last season, starting the final five after Smoker was suspended, and passed for 1,097 yards with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Smoker passed for 2,579 yards and 21 touchdowns, with eight interceptions, during the 2001 season. But his personal problems led to a miserable season last year for him (13 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions) and the Spartans (4-8). Their struggles -- the Spartans lost eight of their last nine after starting 3-0 -- cost former coach Bobby Williams his job.

Information from The Associated Press and SportsTicker was used in this report.