Michigan State University Athletics
Smoker Chosen By St. Louis In 2004 NFL Draft
4/25/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 25, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker, who led the Big Ten in passing (261.2 yards per game) and total offense (252.2 ypg.) in 2003, has been selected by the St. Louis Rams in the sixth round of the 2004 National Football League Draft Sunday, April 25. Smoker, the No. 36 pick in the sixth round and the No. 201 selection overall, becomes the first Spartan quarterback to be drafted since 1996 when Tony Banks went in the second round (No. 42 overall) to the St. Louis Rams.
"It's been a long weekend," Smoker said. "It's definitely a little nerve-racking to sit around, not knowing your future. There was a sense of relief after receiving a phone call from Coach (Mike) Martz. I'm confident in my abilities and happy to have an opportunity to play in the NFL.
"I'm not concerned about being selected in the sixth round (11th quarterback overall). The only difference between being a second-round pick or a sixth-round selection is the size of the signing bonus, money. The bottom line is that I have to go out on the field and produce, and I plan on doing it."
"Jeff Smoker is a guy that actually we've been kind of watching for the last couple of years," St. Louis head coach Mike Martz said. "I saw him play against Cal a few years ago and he kind of caught my eye. Jeff had a very productive senior season. He has what we're looking for in terms of accuracy, toughness, intelligence and leadership. I really like the way his teammates responded to him in the huddle.
"We really hit it off when he came for his visit, and that was kind of the clincher. We felt like if we had a chance at the right time to draft him that he would be a good addition to the team. Jeff fits what we do offensively. He has a good arm, throws the ball quick and makes good decisions."
Smoker, a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media, ranked second in the league in touchdown passes (21) and fourth in passing efficiency (128.8 rating) in 2003. He became the first quarterback in MSU history to reach the 3,000-yard passing milestone in a season, completing 29-of-50 throws for 357 yards and a school record-tying four TDs vs. Penn State in the Nov. 22 home finale. His 302 pass completions, 488 pass attempts, 3,395 passing yards and 21 TD passes all represent the top single-season totals in Spartan history. He recorded 10 200-yard passing games in 2003, including six 300-yard performances.
"Jeff Smoker provided the one building block in the spread offense," Michigan State head coach John L. Smith said. "Jeff gave us an opportunity to win on Saturdays. I'm amazed at what he accomplished as a first-year quarterback in this offensive system. Jeff has an extremely accurate arm and the knack for staying out of trouble. He has a great chance to make it at the next level because of his accuracy, arm strength and intelligence."
"There are definitely some similarities between the spread offense John L. Smith runs and the offensive system in St. Louis," Smoker said. "The offenses are geared pretty much the same way, so I should have a head start in learning the system.
"My biggest hurdle will be adjusting to the mental part of the game. It's a tough transition for any quarterback coming into the NFL. I can't wait to get my hands on a playbook, so I can start learning the offense and the new terminology.
"It's a tough situation in St. Louis where the Rams have two great quarterbacks, in Marc Bulger and Kurt Warner, but only one spot for a starter. I plan on learning as much as I can from both of those guys.
"I don't necessarily like playing on artificial turf but as a quarterback, I love playing indoors. I like throwing in a domed stadium because I don't have to worry about the playing conditions - rain, wind, heat."
The 6-foot-3, 224-pound Smoker ranks as MSU's all-time leader in total offense (8,714 yards), passing yards (8,932), pass completions (685), pass attempts (1,150) and TD passes (61). He stands fifth on the Big Ten's all-time passing chart with 8,932 career yards. The Manheim, Pa., native also ranks as the winningest quarterback in Spartan history with 21 career victories (37 career starts).
Additional comments on Jeff Smoker . . .
MSU offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin: "Jeff has incredible accuracy as a passer. Jeff is the most accurate quarterback I've ever coached. He's a great competitor with unbelievable focus. I was amazed at how quickly Jeff mastered the spread offense. I was impressed by the way he managed the pass protections and hot reads and worked through the progressions. Jeff is truly a special player."
MSU quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier: "His accuracy as a passer stands out to me. Despite what was going on around him, Jeff had the ability to stand in the pocket and focus on his target downfield. He had the presence to step up in the pocket and deliver the ball accurately. He's also one of the toughest players I've ever been around."
