If it's a player's dream to play at ever-higher levels, then he's going to have to become comfortable taking on all comers; and, many times, his toughest competition will come from his own teammates for playing time.
You can be assured that it's every college recruiter's dream to bring in a class full of "ringers" every year; just as it's every professional scout's dream to have every draft pick good be enough to one day make it to the majors. No playing spot should ever be considered "safe."
Sorry if this comes across as insensitive; but, living within the upper realms of any sport requires playing up to that level, and the only way to succeed is to consistently beat out the supposed "ringers" for playing time.