EAST HARTFORD –– New UConn linebacker K’Von Sherman followed Jason Candle’s process for two years at Toledo. Now with Candle in his first year at UConn, Sherman is the proven piece he brought in to anchor a defense in transition. The linebacker arrives in Storrs with a resume that includes all-conference honors, but everyone around the program insists the version of Sherman UConn saw in open practice on Saturday, Aug. 15, is only a preview. "I just think that his best football is ahead of him. He's just now scratching on the surface on what it could be," Candle said. More: Five takeaways from UConn football open practice, headlined by QB battle For a coach in his first season, having a player of Sherman's pedigree and experience with his system is no small thing — and with the Huskies slating three Power Four opponents this season, that experience will be tested early. Sherman was a two-star recruit coming out of Pearland High School in Texas with offers from New Mexico and Houston Christian. But the 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker opted to go to Hutchinson Community College in Kansas to focus on getting his grades up while also developing on the field. “I knew it was going to be a big sacrifice, then I thought maybe they’ll help me become a better person and football player,” Sherman told the Toledo Blade last year. “While I was sad I couldn’t go D-I, I knew if I handled what I needed to handle at Hutchinson, the rest would take care of itself.” Sherman spent one season at Hutchinson and earned all-conference honors. He racked up 77 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 11 games. His performance was good enough for Candle and Toledo to offer Sherman a scholarship to Toledo in 2024. He played in all 13 games his first season, but in a limited role. Sherman broke out in 2025, emerging as one of the most productive linebackers in the country. He earned all-Mid-American Conference honors after he led the team with 94 tackles –– 14.5 for a loss –– while adding 4.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. When Candle went to UConn, Sherman followed in a decision that he said was rooted in trust built over the last two seasons. "It's just really about the process," Sherman said when asked why he followed Candle to UConn. "I understood his process by being in it for the past two years. I knew I was always going to be in good hands if I came here."
That trust has quickly translated to UConn’s locker room, where teammates have raved about Sherman’s energy and leadership. "He gets pretty loud and excited," fellow linebacker John Lista said. "It's been a blast. He's been great. I learned a bunch from him in the film room and also off the field as a person. So, it's really cool." Saturday’s open practice gave fans a good glimpse of what Sherman can offer this season. Sherman disrupted multiple plays, blowing up runs while controlling the middle of the field during much of UConn’s two-and-a-half-hour practice. After each stop, Sherman made sure to high-five or give words of encouragement to his teammates. "I feel like I bring leadership and physicality. I'm just a great teammate, great person," Sherman said. That identity will be put to the test immediately. UConn’s schedule includes Maryland, Syracuse and North Carolina –– a run of games which could shape how NFL scouts view Sherman heading into next year’s draft. "It’s something I thought about a lot," Sherman said. "I'm looking at the schedule and thinking I can put together a decent year and hopefully go to the next level." More: Five UConn football transfers who could make an impact this season For UConn, Sherman’s blend of production and presence makes him as close to a known quantity as the Huskies have on defense. As Candle tries to establish the identity he wants to put forth in year one, Sherman’s play will be a factor in how high the Huskies’ ceiling goes. This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Why new UConn linebacker K’Von Sherman is poised for breakout season