Sherman Lewis was born in Louisville, Kentucky on June 29, 1942. He went Louisville Manual High School and was an all-state running back. He also lettered in track and basketball. He decided to go play football at Michigan State University, where he also ran track in the offseason. He went to Michigan State as an undergrad and eventually went to graduate school majoring in educational studies. While at Michigan State he was a halfback. He was named to the College Football All America Team and finished third in the Heisman trophy voting in 1963.