Milan's Robert Kanitz eludes a tackle from Carleton Airport's Vincent Wright last season.

Courtney Sacco I AnnArbor.com file

Milan averaged more than 31 points per game and compiled a 10-1 overall record in 2012 behind a dual-threat attack from the quarterback position.

But unlike most dual-threat attacks, Milan had different quarterbacks as those threats.

Justin Aceves and Robert Kanitz split time under center last year, with Aceves doing most of the throwing and Kanitz almost exclusively running.

Going into this year, Milan will once again run and pass from the quarterback position, but with Aceves now at Albion College, Kanitz will be doing it all.

“I’m going to have to throw more this year,” Kanitz said Tuesday during a break in his team’s second practice of the year. “I’m not just a wildcat quarterback anymore.”

Kanitz helped Milan finish its season strong last year and reach a district title game, averaging 171 yards per game rushing in his team’s final four. And for many of those yards, Kanitz looked more like a fullback than a quarterback.

“He’s the type of guy where he plays quarterback like a linebacker, so our challenge is having him play quarterback like a quarterback, but still not tamping down that linebacker mentality because that’s one of his strengths,” Milan coach Jesse Hoskins said.

In addition to Aceves, the Big Reds will also be without running back Arthur Dukes -- now at Morgan State -- who rushed for a Washtenaw County-high 1,473 yards last year.

And while Kanitz will take on the passing game and a large running role, he won’t be expected to replace both of Milan’s offensive weapons.

“Our goal is not to run Robert 20 times a game, but the way our offense works is we can naturally spread the ball around,” Hoskins said. “We would like to have an Arthur Dukes-type back, but it’s not essential.”

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.