You will never get an answer to this question because the answer is different for everyone. Even the P5 kid who is not a starter for a couple of years or never is seen as a failure by some. Our community wants to know when my son will move to a starting pitcher role for UT. My answer is never. He has a role and fills it pretty good and is content in his role. He also realizes that if he makes it to the pros that will probably still be his role despite the fact that he very rarely ever relieved or closed in HS or travel ball playing for top 10 teams nationally his entire travel ball career.
He could have gone to a mid-major and been the guy but he wanted to play in the SEC, play at Hoover and get to go to CWS. All checked off last year. If that is his career, some will say failure but I don't think he will.