duPont Manual’s David Pellman, earning the nickname ‘Pancake’ at every given opportunity @Aspirationsgym @duPontFootball @CrimsonCrazies1 @minguabeefjerky @1776Bank @sfitz_840whas @840WHAS

’26 IOL from Louisville already sporting offers from Florida, UK, and Louisville

In the offensive line business, we call it “finishing blocks.” Our idea of finishing blocks is leaving a defender flat on his back and rendered helpless. That is called a “pancake block” and some linemen are so proficient at it, it becomes part of their names. David “Pancake” Pellman, is 6’3,” 285-pounds, and (maybe) Kentucky’s premier OL in the entire commonwealth among the ’26 graduating class.

HB Lyon, Scouting Director, KPGFootball

Have you ever wondered the origin of the term “Pancake Block?” An OL who blocks his defender to an inverse, prostrate position and leaves him flat on his back on the playing field, is said to have pancaked this particular player.

From where did it originate? We aren’t completely sure.

Many people think of Bill Fralic when thinking of pancake blocks. Fralic habitually flap-jacked opponents; but, we have found evidence of its use prior to his enrollment into the University of Pittsburg.

Jim Carlen and his West Virginia staff tracked pancake blocks in 1966. That is 15-years prior to Fralic entering Pitt. Bobby Bowden was on that Carlen staff.

Carlen and his staff awarded “helmet stickers” to players pancaking opponents. However, no one is saying Carlen and his staff originated the term. Offensive linemen have put defenders on their backs since blocking became legal in football in 1884.

Regardless of its origins, it is routinely fashioned to what David Pellman, at Louisville’s duPont Manual High, does to defenders he faces. Pellman has just finished his sophomore season.

Pancake Pellman was rewarded with inclusion on our News Radio 840WHAS and KPGFootball, Big-School All-State Football Team. Pellman was the youngest member of that squad.

Pellman, reportedly only 15-years old, is a member of the graduating class of 2026 and is already 6’3,” 285-pounds with plenty of length and growing yet to occur. Pellman works out with Chris Vaughn at Aspirations Fitness Center and Vaughn has certainly guided many a young, aspiring, Louisville product to next level glory.

This past season, Pellman anchored a Crimson offense which scored 422-points, rushed for 1,634-yards, and passed for 2,885-yards. The Crimsons scored 27-TDs through the air and 26-TDs rushing. This means this prospect is as comfortable run-blocking as pass-setting.

Pellman has good feet, fluid hips, and plenty of bend and sink. He is athletic, runs well, and has added tremendous core strength to an already burgeoning skill set.

As for where this guy appears headed, it is too soon to say. Pellman has just finished his sophomore season and the fact he was in the starting lineup for Manual is reason enough for celebration. On top of that, Pellman is making all-this and all-that teams and picking up Power Five offers.

Everything seems to be going swimmingly. Now someone pass me the syrup.

This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!

If you enjoyed this article and wish to gain full-access to the site, then subscribe monthly to Kentucky Prep Gridiron by following the prompts! 

© The information contained on this site is the copyrighted intellectual property of KPGFootball. Any unauthorized dissemination of this material without the author’s express written consent is strictly prohibited!