Article: ROAD TO REDEMPTION SMOKER OVERCOMES TROUBLES TO LEAD SPARTANS' SPREAD ATTACK.(SPORTS)(MIKE LUCAS' MICHIGAN STATE SCOUTING REPORT)(Column)

Byline: Mike Lucas

Speaking on behalf of every defensive coordinator who has faced Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker this season - the rejuvenated and improved model - Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel began his presentation on this week's Big Ten teleconference by noting: "Going into the game I was certainly a Jeff Smoker fan. He had done an extraordinary job. But now, after seeing him live, I'm even more of a Jeff Smoker fan. Outstanding player, and tough kid."

It's tough to ignore what Smoker has gone through. What he has overcome. His substance-abuse problems and subsequent recovery have been well-documented. He was suspended for breaking ...

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