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When previous head coach Jim Mora left at the conclusion of the 2025 season, the University of Connecticut hired Jason Candle after a successful 10-year run at Toledo.

Candle brings a strong resume with him to Storrs, but he also brought some strong players with him as well, including key transfers K'Von Sherman and Kenji Christian.

Both players have a chance to be impact players for the Huskies, and both were recognized by the famed Shrine Bowl on Monday.

As noted by the Bowl, both players are on the 1,000 Watch List.

Here's more of what you need to know.

What is the Shrine Bowl?

The Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl is a best-in-class all-star event that will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington,TX on February 4, 2027. Our players will be coached by NFL coaches, in an NFL facility, and will have access to NFL-level resources, facilities, player-friendly schedules, and opportunities at the highest level.

This list represents the Top 1000 players that are NFL worthy, in the mind of the Shrine Bowl. Just over 250 players will be drafted next year, but there will be many more that are signed to contracts after the fact, or are invited to rookie minicamps. 

More on the Shrine Bowl can be found here.

The event is for seniors only and previous UConn stars Joe Fagnano and Skyler Bell were both invited to the game in 2026.

Fagnano went undrafted in the NFL Draft but signed with the Baltimore Ravens while Bell was taken in the fourth round by the Buffalo Bills.

One important distinction

While the actual game itself is only for seniors, this list encompasses players that are draft-eligible in 2027.

About Sherman

Sherman is a junior linebacker from Texas. He's played 26 games in two career seasons, registering 4.5 sacks, 59 solo tackles and a fumble recovery.

In addition to his skillset, his knowledge of Candle's system and expectations will be extremely important. He'll likely serve as the leader of the defense, and a go-between for the coaching staff and locker room.

About Christian

A junior, Christian averaged five yards per carry a season ago, making him an explosive offensive threat out of the backfield. He played in 13 games for the Rockets, recording 528 rushing yards and 193 more yards through the air. He had five total touchdowns.

Running back appears to be the deepest group for the Huskies on offense, and Christian appears to have the early jump on being the leader of that room.

More on UConn football

–The Huskies will participate in Media Day on Thursday and the regular season will begin on Sept. 5 when they host Lafayette.

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