Question is the ranking for how they were seen as recruits or how they turned out. I think Ware was definitely higher ranked than Burrow coming out of HS but as I remember Eric Ellington was a 5 star and Mr Ohio as a senior.
Because Joe Burrow wasnt an LSU recruit, he already had his OSU degree when he transferred to the Tigers. Harvey Williams the "Hempstead Flash" signed in 1986. Neither Rivals or 247sports were in business back then. IIRC only Max Emfinger was the only real recruiting service.
I don't see it that way. Joe could have went wherever he was offered so some recruiting had to happen. I understand your point though. Ware was a beast and if not for Burrow coming from Ohio I would be ok with it.