In about 1996, Nebraska was THE nation's best program. Period. It was widely recognized and basically we could recruit almost any player we wanted. We were getting what TO identified as 25 of the top 100 players in the country in our classes typically. Perhaps the majority of recruiting 'gurus' and maybe even other coaches may not have agreed on all of our choices as being 'the best of the best' but I can recall Osborne stating flatly that they identified their top 100 and said we won't take anyone whose not on the list. For the most part they were able to do that. It hurt when Tom retired. Frank did not have the national rep and certainly did not have the recruiting ability. He was never a good recruiter but was able to recruit Nebraska/Omaha mainly.
Recruiting is all about image, reputation, apparnent 'need' in the positiion, type of offense and anticipated use of the player's self perceived skills, education, family values, etc. Not all parents thought Tom Osborne was a 'great man' but MOST did and he obviously had a very kind, personable and friendly way and a sense of humor and soft voice that would have been a very convincing salesman's presentation. He believed in what he was doing and saying and cared deeply for the best interests of the players. That was his greatest asset and it showed through plainly. Trust in him by families and the players was abundant.
Ironically, Joe Paterno was similar I think but it turned out that trust was falsely placed but who would have ever dreamed. I believe Mike Riley is much like this and I certainly believe, although I have not personally met him, that if I had a son playing football, I would trust him to be a great coach, mentor and friend and sincerely care about the future. Much more so that Bo, although I admit I was a big Bo fan from the beginning although I just always had my doubts as to whether he would ever become a Husker at heart. I think he began to in his first couple seasons but just could never get Ohio and the Buckeye out of their. Understandbly so and now he is back home where he apparently feels happy. Good for him.
Time will tell but I am more sold on Mike Riley today that I have been since his hire. I really feel the program is on the right track and the future looks bright. He may surprise about half the fan base who simply doesn't believe he has the right stuff.
