There was a post on RSS which addressed this yesterday. It also looked at offers from other Power 5 schools for recruits who signed with Nebraska and recruits who signed with Oregon State.
I won't copy the data because I don't think that's allowed. But in 2013 and 14, Nebraska's recruits had more Power 5 offers combined than all of Riley's classes from 2009 to 2014.
Riley's recent recruiting success in 6 months on the job suggests 3 things:
1. Oregon State's location, lack of support, facilities, and other factors were far bigger hurdles than anything at Nebraska.
2. Bo Pelini and staff complained about way too many "hurdles" which really weren't that Big of a deal.
3. The N on the helmet still has some cache Nationally. The Dedrick Young's, Adam Tayors, Westerkamps, Newbys, and McMullens of the world are always going to give Nebraska serious looks. Riley sees that and wants to bring in more of them per season.
One other thing I've noticed about Riley is his targeting of speed. If a kid is lightly recruited, its because he's raw, untested and needs development. But he's finding athletes. Alex Davis has zero technique and might be 2 years from playing. But that kid is 6'5 230 with 4.6 speed and a 42 inch vert to go with a Michael Jordan type wing span. Aphonso Thomas has an explosive first step and can reach full bore after one cut. I guarantee they're going to use him on special teams and as a change of pace runner in their screen and counter game.