In the mid-1980s, there was a lot less info about prospects and early commits and ratings by stars or otherwise. Mac's progress on the field took some time to get going (playing with Maloney's recruits). As I recall, by his 3rd or 4th recruiting class, it was clear that Mac was upgrading the talent -- especially skill positions (WRs, TEs, RBs, DBs, QBs). He had the relations from his time at UMass, the charm to win over parents, and the new Dome.
To be fair, Maloney had brought in Joe Morris, Art Monk, Bill Hurley and others to put together a terrific offense in his last two years. But where Maloney was bringing in 2 or 3 gems in each class, it seemed like Mac was doubling that.
Marrone seems to be getting it going with big guys and defenders -- but not yet with the skill guys (unless you count Broyld and Smallwood who aren't here yet). Presumably, that will happen in November and December.