ATLANTA — Cedric Johnson had two choices of where he could play college football his senior season — Clark Atlanta or Albany State.

Johnson chose the former, and he will lead the Panthers this weekend in hopes of spoiling homecoming for No. 23 Albany State.

“It’s just another game. We ain’t looking at it like they’re No. 23 or it’s their homecoming,” said Johnson.

Johnson, an Americus alum, led Jacksonville State (Ala.) last season before being dismissed for team violations and giving way to former LSU signal-caller Ryan Perrilloux.

He said choosing Clark Atlanta over Albany State came down to the possible distractions of being close to home and a chance to help build a program.

“Clark Atlanta’s not known for winning, and I want to make a name for myself,” said Johnson.

He’s already done that. Clark Atlanta is off to its best start (4-2, 3-1 SIAC) since 1991 when it started 4-0 and has already won more games than it did last year (3-8). Johnson has also been named Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week for the SIAC this season.

“I’m just glad to have a second chance,” said Johnson. “Everybody’s not given a second chance, much less a third chance. I’m going to take it and make the best of it.”

Johnson is fourth in passing yards per game (170) in the SIAC and second in total offense, gaining more than 227 yards a game. He has 1,020 yards passing and 347 rushing yards on the season while leading the conference with eight touchdowns.

Adding running back Winston Thompson to the mix, the Panthers are second in the conference in total yards. Clark Atlanta leads the conference in time of possession and defensively, they are first with 20 sacks.

The Panthers are taking on the top-rated defense in the SIAC in the Rams, which are allowing 203 yards a contest and have allowed a conference best six red-zone attempts.

Albany State (4-1, 3-1) allows only 88.6 yards passing and 12.8 points a game.

“We’ve got to play team ball and trust in each other,” said Johnson. “We have to go by the game plan and trust our coaches will put us in the right places.

“We’ve still got a chance to win our conference, and we’ve still got a chance to make the playoffs. So things are pretty good. Being my senior year, I want to go out on a good note and have a good year.”

Kickoff is 3 p.m.