Call it Al Golden’s secret weapon.

The Miami Hurricanes head coach getting an unconventional assist in the recruiting battle for Jamal Carter. Mama’s home-cooking.

“When you go in the house, you’re going to smell it. You’re just gonna want to stay there,” says the senior safety from Miami Southridge Senior High School. “We just had a good one last night. Macaroni, rice, collard greens, ribs, steak, everything you can name.”

Ranked as the 21st-best safety in the entire country, the 6’2”, 215-pound playmaker is orally committed to the U, and entirely committed to his mom’s culinary creations.

“Yeah, look at my size,” Carter proudly crows. “You should’ve seen my little brother. He’s gonna be bigger than me!”

Staying in Coral Gables keeps Carter close to his mom’s dinner table.

“Miami, it’s right down the street. If I really wanted to come down for the weekend I could just catch the bus. If I get homesick, I could go right back to my house,” he says.

And that’s just fine with UM. Carter not only fills a position of need, he provides some explosiveness. The versatile speedster returned 7 punts for touchdowns 2 seasons ago, and often lined up at running back and receiver. That had LSU, Clemson and Miami hot on his trail.

And barring a highly unlikely change of heart on National Signing Day next Wednesday, Coral Gables will be where he stays.

“You’re from Miami, so why not? Why not go to Miami and put on for your city? Everybody used to love Miami, but now, this generation – people want to go everywhere else. They don’t really have that much pride. That’s why I’m trying to go to Miami to put the city back on.”

And having his family close to see it makes it the ideal situation.

“Family is real important to me because growing up, that’s all I had,” Carter admits. “My mama, she wanted me to stay because she says I’m her baby. I’m 18, but I’m still her baby. She brags on me to everybody. All around her work, everywhere.”

Carter will team up with last season’s recruiting gold mine that features fellow defensive backs Deon Bush of Columbus High School and Tracy Howard of Miramar.

“If all of us stay together on one team, it’s gonna be crazy. It’s gonna be something nice to see. Just tell everyone to bring their popcorn because it’s going to be a movie every game.”

Confidence isn’t in short supply for the pride of the Spartans. And he’s not afraid to let you know.

“I expect to make a name for myself. When I get on the field, everybody’s going to know that’s Jamal Carter. He’s going to do something big this game.”

“I just want to be a part of this legacy because I know this train is going take off. We’re going to win this year. When I get to UM, I’m gonna make an impact. Just be ready.”