Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Football Reinstates Smoker, Flagg
8/13/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State senior quarterback Jeff Smoker and junior BANDIT Robert Flagg have earned full reinstatement to the active roster for the 2003 season, Spartan first-year head coach John L. Smith announced Wednesday, Aug. 13. As a result, Smoker and Flagg are allowed to compete for the starting job at their respective positions.
"When addressing disciplinary issues, our philosophy is: No. 1, do what's best for the football team; and No. 2, do what's best for the individual," Smith said. "Both Jeff Smoker and Robert Flagg were given an opportunity to correct problems. With the coaching change, they weren't given new, clean slates, but they were provided fresh starts.
"Both Jeff and Robert have met our expectations, so they have been fully reinstated to the team. Over the last few months, they have proven that they want to be a part of this football program."
The 6-foot-3, 224-pound Smoker started the first seven games of the 2002 season before being suspended for the final five games after admitting a substance abuse problem. He completed 114-of-203 throws (.562) for 1,593 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Through seven games, Smoker ranked among the Big Ten leaders in TD passes (fourth), passing yards (fifth at 227.6 yards per game) and passing efficiency (seventh with 133.4 rating). He posted his sixth 200-yard passing game of the season in his final start vs. Minnesota, hitting 17-of-29 passes for 229 yards. Smoker completed 19-of-34 passes for a season-high 281 yards, including two TD strikes to Charles Rogers, in MSU's 21-17 loss to No. 12 Notre Dame.
A native of Manheim, Pa., Smoker already ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in total yards (second with 5,435), passing yards (third with 5,537), TD passes (fourth with 40), pass completions (fifth with 383), pass attempts (sixth with 662) and completion percentage (seventh at .579). He needs only 122 total yards in 2003 to overtake Ed Smith (1976-78) and become MSU's career leader in total offense. Smoker, who has 13 career 200-yard passing games, has compiled a 13-11 record in 24 career starts.
"Jeff Smoker's recovery is an on-going 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 good-hearted young man who deserved a second chance.
"We're blessed with great depth at quarterback. Both Drew Stanton (6-3, 222, R-Fr.) and Damon Dowdell (6-1, 225, Jr.) are capable of winning the starting job, but now Jeff is back in the mix. The competition should bring out the best in all three of those guys.
"We'd like to name a starting quarterback as soon as someone steps forward and separates himself from the pack."
Flagg appeared in 11 games as a back-up free safety in 2002 and recorded eight tackles (6 solos, 2 assists). Coach Smith held the 6-2, 195-pounder from Carol City, Fla., out of spring practice so he could concentrate on academics.
"I've been extremely hard on Robert Flagg," Smith said. "He had lost focus and was neglecting his schoolwork, so I took football away from him in the spring. Robert experienced life without football and realized that playing this game is a privilege, not a right. He has become a responsible student, regularly attending classes and other academic appointments. Robert now understands the balancing act of a student-athlete."
