Michigan State University Athletics
Stanton, Dowdell Battle For Top QB Spot
4/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 19, 2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Drew Stanton and Damon Dowdell ended their two-man battle for the No. 1 quarterback spot in Michigan State's spring football drills Saturday.
But all eyes were focused on Jeff Smoker, the team's starting quarterback for 24 games over the past three seasons before being suspended last year because of substance-abuse issues.
Smoker, the only player who wasn't allowed to compete for a starting job this spring, received an ovation from the fans at Spartan Stadium and drew support from former teammate Charles Rogers, the nation's top receiver in 2002 and a probable No. 2 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
"It was good to see him out there again," Rogers said. "When I see him completing a pass, I smile. It was good to see Smoker do the thing he loves most, playing football."
Smoker, a senior-to-be, was unavailable for interviews again Saturday, as he has been since a press conference on Nov. 14.
Smoker, a former Heisman Trophy hopeful, was 8-for-16 for 118 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown to tight end Jason Randall. He had no interceptions and three touch-whistled sacks.
"Smoker is not in it until fall," said new Michigan State coach John L. Smith, who declined to name a starter until he could study the video tape.
"I'm pleased with Jeff. He's an athletic guy," Smith said. "But I'm not worried about what Jeff does on the field. What he does off the field is the No. 1 objective right now."
Smoker's competition for the starting position, Stanton and Dowdell, both had their moments in a scrimmage that included four touchdowns and two field goals.
Stanton, a redshirt freshman, was 9-for-15 for 181 yards, including a 60-yard TD to wideout Aaron Alexander, a converted quarterback. Dowdell, a junior, was 8-for-14 for just 48 yards, including a 19-yard scoring pass to tight end Eric Knott. Both threw one interception and were sacked once.
"I'm not going to jump the gun and say I'm No. 1 right now," Stanton said. "It's a real important decision to make. I think I played pretty well today and hope I separated from the pack a little more."
Stanton started the day with a 58-yard rollout delivery to slot receiver Agim Shabaj, rekindling the success the pair had for two championship seasons at Farmington Hills Harrison High School. Moments later Dowdell connected with Knott, as they often did at Detroit's Henry Ford High School.
Dowdell echoed the Spartans' new football-is-fun attitude and said he thinks he has made his case to hold onto a position he had for the final five games of 2002.
"Whether or not I'm No. 1 heading into the fall, I have to continue to grow mentally in this offense," Dowdell said. "The coaches this year value avoiding mistakes more than anything else. But I really think this a system where I can show my talents and run everything that asked of me."
Michigan State's new offense will feature one running back and four primary receivers. The top ballcarrier Saturday was third-team running back Jason Teague, who had five carries for 36 yards and a 9-yard score on an option pitchout.
Backup Jaren Hayes had 34 yards in five attempts. And projected starter Tyrell Dortch, in his first action since a horrific leg injury in October 2001, had 14 yards in nine carries.
Returning placekicker Dave Rayner hit from 28 and 39 yards but missed from 45. Backup Bobby Belmonte was wide from 47 yards. And the defense was led by end Clifton Ryan with three sacks for 18 yards.
"The biggest thing for us just getting good defensively," Smith said of a unit that allowed 42 points or more six times last season. "We need to concentrate on finals now, then get after it in the summer. We need to become a stronger, more explosive team. We have to stop people and be able to run. The day of the dinosaur is over."
Smith said his team avoided serious injuries Saturday. Cornerback D'Andre Cobb suffered a mild concussion but was walking even before x-rays to detect further damage came back negative.
Defensive lineman Alphonso "Biggie" Townsend has left the program. Smith said he hoped Townsend would be able to finish his degree elsewhere.














