Class 2012: Ante Milanovic – Litre will bring skill and passion to the CIS this fall (Video)

Today CFC features prospect, Ante Milanovic-Litre. The promising senior will begin his CIS career in September, 2012.

Ante Milanovic-Litre

Class:
2012

Position:
Linebacker, Running Back, Fullback, Defensive End, Tight End, Punter

Height/Weight:
6’1, 215 lbs

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
British Columbia, Manitoba, Ottawa, Queen’s, Saskatchewan, Simon Fraser

Teams:
North Van Rams (bantam)
Notre Dame Jugglers (high school)

Two-way standout Ante Milanovic-Litre is headed to the CIS, come fall. The British Columbia prospect is a versatile player, having spent time at six different positions while playing varsity ball with the Notre Dame Jugglers.

Milanovic-Litre was introduced to football by his brother, Josip, at the age of 10. He instantly developed an affinity for the game that has since directed him to approach it with an intense passion; a passion that has produced a Most Inspirational Player award, a Most Improved Player award, and the honour of being a Team Captain for his varsity squad.

Though a jack of all trades, Milanovic-Litre’s experience and skill-set have more than likely set him on the path to becoming a standout CIS linebacker, or a member of a university team’s backfield. Though he will likely be confined to one of these positions at the next level, the former representative of Team BC will continue to exercise his versatility within a settled role.

As a back, Milanovic-Litre possesses the strength and size to shed would be tacklers, as well as the speed to get to the corner and turn up field. He also has the ability to function as a receiving threat out of the backfield, showing good hands, and the vision to turn short screens into big plays.

Milanovic-Litre fancies himself a disciple of Chicago Bears’ great, Walter Payton. “I still try to play like the legends of the game,” he says. “I try to play just as Walter Payton played – as a hard-nosed runner, and very versatile team member. I especially follow his motto, ‘Never die easy.’”

Following this dictum has worked well for Milanovic-Litre, who was voted Most Valuable ’Back during his sophomore season with his junior varsity squad.

As a linebacker, the CIS bound westerner possesses a well roundedness, which allows him to defend effectively against both run and pass. The same hands that make him an aerial weapon on offense make him an interception threat on defense, and his game awareness affords him the potential to shut down the middle of the field. Against the run, Milanovic-Litre uses his ability to quickly diagnose blocking schemes to disrupt plays as they develop, and stand up opposing runners at the line.

“I try to model my defensive game on that of Ray Lewis; as a vocal leader, who is very passionate, never gives up, and leads his team by example,” notes the linebacker.

During his junior year, Milanovic-Litre was selected to the AAA Western Conference All-Star team as a linebacker, a feat he would repeat as a senior. He was also selected to represent Team BC at the Canada Cup in 2011, where he was named a Canada Cup Defensive All-Star. As a senior, Milanovic-Litre was awarded with a selection to the AAA Provincial All-Star team.

“I am truly grateful for the awards I have received, but the experience of playing football is what I treasure the most,” muses Milanovic-Litre, who names his participation in a high school playoff showdown against the Mount Boucherie Bears as one of his favourite football memories.

“It is indeed a game that my teammates and I will always proudly remember,” he states. “It was truly rewarding to be a part of great team effort; the ball got spread around, and everyone was on their game…. I am proud of the fact that I made a contribution to our victory, as I got a couple hundred rushing yards, and scored two touchdowns…. It is truly a memory I personally will long cherish.”

As the senior readies to make new memories next fall, he dutifully recalls the forces that allowed him to reach the success he has obtained thus far. For his success, he credits his loving family, loyal teammates, sage coaches, supportive fans, and positive community, as well as his faith in Roman Catholicism.

Milanovic-Litre reflects, “I have many people to thank for helping me accomplish as many things as I did, and for the opportunities I have received…. I thank each and every single one of them for what they have done for me.”

This fall Milanovic-Litre will bring his passion and dedication for the gridiron when he begins his undergraduate program. He states, “I am fully determined to continue my football career at the university level.”

Check out the video below, or follow the links provided to see Ante Milanovic-Litre in action.