(Laramie, WY) – University of Wyoming football strong safety Andrew Johnson is no stranger to altitude. The Cheyenne-native and Central High School graduate plays at the division one campus with the highest altitude in the nation, 7,220 feet above sea level. After his final season on the gridiron, his goals go even higher.

“I’ve loved aviation since I was a kid,” Johnson told County 10 at UW Media Day Monday in Laramie. He explained that he spent much of his off-season flying around Wyoming and Montana, marveling about flying over the Tetons and Big Horn Mountains. “Now, my goal is to become a fighter pilot.” Later joking that his favorite movie is ‘Top Gun.’

While ambitions to become a fighter pilot seem lofty, Andrew has already crossed off his first major life goal. Wearing the brown and gold. “It was my dream since I was a kid. It was everything I ever wanted to do. So when Coach Bohl gave me the opportunity to do so, it was the easiest decision of my life.”

The former Central High wide receiver and defensive back appeared in 11 games for the Pokes and started 5 of them last year. He recorded 19 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles. This season, he’s expected to be a leader on the Cowboy defense. “We’re bringing that toughness back to Wyoming football,” Johnson said about summer camp. “Something that I experienced a lot in my early years here and that’s something we need to maintain and bring into the season.”

Catch our full chat with Johnson in the player below!

Wyoming football kicks off August 28th against Akron. Listen to every Cowboy football game in Fremont County this season on KOVE Radio, 1330 AM and 107.7 FM!