Donta Pollack likes to run over tacklers.
Nigel Jones likes to run around them.
That's a bit of an oversimplification, but it best sums up the two senior running backs for Holy Spirit.
"Smash and Dash," Jones said of the duo that might be the best in New Jersey this season.
Jones finally is healthy after battling nagging injuries as a sophomore and junior. He's a 5-foot-9, 190-pound bolt of lightning who also excels as a free safety.
Pollack is a 5-9, 200-pound battering ram. He'll probably get fewer carries, gain fewer yards, and score fewer touchdowns this season.
He might still run over the same number of tacklers, though.
"I've always been that," Pollack said of his physical style. "That's the way I play the game."
Holy Spirit coach Charles Roman, whose team will be No. 1 in The Inquirer preseason Top 10, said the program never had a pair of running backs like Pollack and Jones. He doesn't think the program ever will in the future, either.
"If we're lucky, we might get another one that's as good as these guys," Roman said. "We'll never have two at the same time again."
With Jones hampered by a high ankle sprain, Pollack ran for 1,878 yards and 29 touchdowns last season as Holy Spirit went 12-0, won the Non-Public 3 state title, and finished No. 2 in The Inquirer Top 10.
Jones still ran for 744 yards and eight touchdowns and averaged 7.2 yards per carry. He also played a strong game at cornerback in the state-final victory over St. Joseph's of Montvale.
"It was frustrating but we went to states and we won, and that's all that matters to me," Jones said. "This year, I'm very motivated."
Jones has scholarship offers from Miami of Ohio, Western Michigan, and Temple. He was drawing interest from higher-level programs after running for 19 touchdowns as a sophomore, but that cooled after his injury-marred junior season.
"I feel like I don't get the same respect from people and colleges," Jones said. "I used to feel like I was feared by defenses. Now, I'm kind of the forgotten man."
Roman thinks Jones might be a defensive back in college. He's a natural ball-hawk at free safety, with the speed and agility also to play cornerback.
In keeping with his playing style, Pollack plays some linebacker on defense. He is drawn recruiting interest from Boston College and other programs.
"They have such different styles," Roman said. "We can run the same play, a stretch play, and it looks like a completely different play because of the way the two of them run it."
Contact staff writer Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223, panastasia@phillynews.com, or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter.
