I would love to see some facts on this subject because I am just going by my own memory, which quite frankly sucks, but BYU has always had top rated LDS players pass them by to sign with the big boys.
I can think of quite a few LDS players that went on to star in the NFL that didn't play for BYU. Maybe they weren't highly rated out of high school, I don't know, but there are very few programs that get every player they want.
And don't think for a minute every LDS thought it was an honor to play for BYU a while back. That is a myth.
I have followed BYU football since the 80's and I do not believe for a minute that LDS boys all over the country felt it was an honor to play for the Cougars. Many had to be convinced to come here.