It used to be a weekly routine for Jeff Smoker - talk football with reporters after practice.

But in his first appearance after being reinstated Wednesday as a member of the Spartan football team, the senior signal caller seemed withdrawn and not amused with questions that circled around a substance-abuse problem that led to a suspension last season.

Smoker looked so caught up in relief of being back on the squad since October that he headed for the locker room without realizing he had left behind his helmet.

Nevertheless, Smoker remained willing to reprove himself and handle the attention of being a quarterback.

"I learned to just move on and realized that I was responsible for things that happened last year," Smoker said. "I've learned a lot of things, some individual things.

"I realized there were some things I took for granted. The No. 1 lesson being that I don't take football for granted. Football and health, I'm blessed to have a healthy body."

Before his suspension, Smoker had started 22 straight games for the Spartans and already ranks among MSU's all-time passers. Whether Smoker will again start under center remains unknown. The first-string quarterback is expected to be named next week.

Smoker will fight to regain his starting role at quarterback with redshirt freshman Drew Stanton and junior Damon Dowdell.

Spartan head coach John L. Smith said Smoker had met undisclosed conditions.

"There was some final things we wanted him to do as far as trainers, doctors, etc., meetings, so we were on the same page," Smith said. "Jeff's done everything that we've asked of him and then some.

"You just hope that you can given him an opportunity and maybe athletics is doing something good, and maybe they'll end up making the changes that will affect them for the rest of their lives."

Smith stated that there has been some separation between the quarterback candidates, but will use Saturday's scrimmage to help figure out which quarterback is ready.

"At one time he (Smoker) was considered to be the best quarterback in the Big Ten, and right now the job's still open, it's on a day-to-day basis," Stanton said.

"Jeff has our trust. He's been with us every step of the way."

When asked if he felt he was taking a risk with Smoker, Smith acknowledged the gamble involved.

"That's part of the deal - we're taking a risk," he said. "Jeff's taking a risk, the program's taking a risk. That's why were here though, is it not?

"We're going to keep the reigns tight on him, it's like on the field, you can make one mistake, but not two."

For now, Smoker is just glad to still be able to put on his helmet as a Spartan.

"It feels great to be back on the field, great to be playing again and throwing the ball," he said.