Honestly, it's hard to say. I've had a handful of recruited athletes, all of whom were easily sufficiently qualified academically, leadership, etc., to get in without being recruited. Some have been appointed; some have received turndowns. Can being recruited help? I'd be naive to say no. I personally have not seen a recruited athlete whom I thought should not be admitted end up being appointed; however, I can't say it never happens because my experience is very limited.
I suspect, but don't know, that it comes down to (1) the sport, (2) how good the athlete is, (3) how strong the candidate is outside of athletics, and probably (4) how much influence the coach has.
For the non-recruited athletes, understand that the vast majority of those applying -- and those appointed -- are athletes but not recruited athletes.