After a topsy-turvy college career at Michigan State, and three uneventful stops in the NFL, quarterback Jeff Smoker may have found his niche.

Smoker was named Arena Football League Rookie of the Month for April 2007 after he completed 95-of-158 passes for 1,277 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions during his first full month as a starting quarterback in the AFL. Smoker led all rookies in passing yards, ranked second in touchdowns, and ranked third in passer rating (100.6) during the month that saw his Nashville Kats post a 2-3 record. His best performance of the month came in an April 14 win as he completed 18-of-28 passes for 235 yards and six touchdowns in a 62-36 victory over the Arizona Rattlers.

Despite the 2-3 record, this measure of success has to be bittersweet for the Manheim, PA native.

The accomplishment signals that Smoker may have vanquished the demons he encountered during his college days. Smoker had a well-publicized bout with substance abuse during his junior year in East Lansing. He was suspended for the last five games of the team's 4-8 campaign, and it was unknown if he would ever step foot in Spartan Stadium, or any other arena, ever again.

Then-MSU head coach John L. Smith decided to reinstate Smoker after holding him out of spring practice in 2003. That turned out to be a good choice.

As a senior, Smoker became the first quarterback in school history to reach the 3,000-yard passing milestone in a season, finishing 2003 with a 62 percent completion rate, 3,395 yards and 21 touchdowns (both school records). During the Spartans' 7-5 season, Smoker also ran for three scores on 63 carries, was a second-team All-Big 10 selection and was named team MVP. He also led the Big Ten conference in passing (261.2 yards per game) and in total offense (252.2 ypg). That year, Smoker broke his own single-season record for total offense of 2,512 yards when he registered 3,279 yards in his final season at State. 

Smoker ended his college career as the most decorated quarterback in Spartan history, setting Spartans records with a 60 percent completion rate - 685-1,150 - for 8,932 yards, 61 touchdowns and 39 interceptions. He also set the MSU all-time record with 8,714 yards in total offense.  

Yes, his suspension came from a self-inflicted problem, but an intervention, help from family and friends, a vote of confidence from Smith and some hard work aided Smoker on his road back. 

Smoker's NFL career was an uneventful one, as he was originally drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the sixth round (201st overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft, spending two season with the club. He also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.

Although it can't possibly be on par with being named NFL Rookie of the Month, Smoker's recent accolade has to show him he has somewhat of a budding football career. Different people take different paths to get to where they eventually aspire to be.  

Sure, Smoker could have been an NFL first-round pick, but who's to say all the money he would have received with that deal would not have caused his problems to resurface.

If he is lucky enough to make it to the Big Show, his highs and lows will make him appreciate the experience that much more. 

Maybe Smoker's story will inspire one of his old teammates -- you know, the one who caught a number of Smoker's TD strikes -- to let old habits go, too.