Two other tips: (1) rent a car, you need one to conveniently get around LA, and (2) be careful and diligent about booking a hotel in Downtown LA — can go from cool/nice area to very sketchy in just a couple blocks.
I think this was quite obviously coming since it became widely known that Drej was in Irvine working out just days after Indy. It’s smart for him to get feedback and I expect him back in Champaign next season.