Wyoming’s Andrew Johnson Embraces Leadership Role Amid Safety Unit Overhaul

As the University of Wyoming football team gears up for the 2025 season, senior safety Andrew Johnson is stepping into a pivotal leadership role, determined to help turn around a defense that struggled during last year’s 3-9 campaign, Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports.

Johnson, a Cheyenne Central graduate, was candid in his assessment of the Cowboys’ secondary performance in 2024. Injuries to starters Isaac White and Wyett Ekeler thrust him into a more prominent role, but the lack of depth at safety quickly became apparent.

“I can put it blunt. We weren’t good enough at safety last year,” Johnson said. “With injuries, without injuries, we were not where we needed to be, and we’re going to be a lot better than that this year.”

With both White and Ekeler now gone and starting nickelback Wrook Brown having transferred to Houston, Wyoming finds itself in the midst of a complete rebuild in the defensive backfield. Three starting spots are now open, and Johnson—one of the few veterans remaining—has emerged as a key figure in filling that void.

“The door is wide open,” Johnson noted. “There’s no depth chart. You have to earn your spot and be the best player on the field.”

Despite a broken thumb that limited him physically, Johnson recorded 30 tackles and a pass breakup last season. Heading into his final year, he is intent on earning a starting role not out of necessity, but merit.

“I don’t want to be starting because someone else is hurt,” he emphasized. “I want to earn my way onto the field and be the best safety at that position.”

Johnson’s development is being closely watched by safeties coach Jason Petrino, who sees him as a versatile option capable of playing any of the three safety positions. With new and returning competitors—including Desman Hearns, Justin Taylor, Jaden DaCosta, Jones Thomas, and Brooklyn Cheek—training camp promises to be highly competitive.

Still, Johnson is embracing the challenge. He’s not just focused on self-improvement, but also mentoring younger players—an effort he says has helped his own growth.

“Coaching my guys, that’s helped me more than anything,” he said. “One of the best ways to learn is to share your knowledge.”

Now the most experienced member of the safeties room, Johnson is accepting the mantle once held by former teammates.

“I have the experience that no one else in the room has,” he said. “I’m just trying to pass on that knowledge, because a year from now, I’ll be gone, and they’ll be the next step. The wheel keeps turning.”

Johnson has a long-standing relationship with head coach Jay Sawvel, who previously served as both defensive coordinator and safeties coach. That familiarity has helped shape Johnson’s expectations—and drive.

“He’s probably the toughest on us because he has those high expectations,” Johnson said. “He’s coached DBs for 30 years. So, I know that all the information he pours into us is ultimately great knowledge. You just have to take it in and grow.”

Heading into his final season, Johnson’s focus is clear: refine his technique, lead by example, and help elevate the entire safety unit.

“There’s a floor for this team, and a floor for me,” he said. “That floor has risen a lot. Now it’s really just looking to reach that potential and that ceiling. That’s been my real focus. … I want to perfect my game.”