This is why I posed the question with a 4.5 star, a really good player but not considered "elite". We think RB but it could also be an LB of course. Would you fare better at USC playing against weaker players or sitting a year at Alabama? And yes, you could have that one great year as a junior and do just fine either place.
Knownshon Moreno was red shirted, played two years and left, which probably was a good thing for him later. He was on the practice squad of course so he took some wear and tear, but also some college level conditioning.
There probably is not right answer for everyone. I think were I a 3.5 star and trusted that rating, I'd probably lean to a "USC" or "Oregon" and UNC. I'd guess many feel they are soo good against HS competition they really are 5 stars though.