When most of the Rams rookies arrived at the facility on Monday, they shuttled over to Thousand Oaks from LAX after landing at one of the nation's busiest airports.
But cornerback David Long Jr. was different. A native of Southern California, Long had to only get on the highway and drive. And that's a significant part of what has been so exciting for the 21-year-old cornerback out of Michigan as he begins his NFL career in his hometown.
"It's like playing high school football again — not in the sense of the speed of the game, but it's like that at-home feeling," Long told therams.com on Monday. "I went away for college, so I had to adapt and grow. And I still have to adapt and grow, but it's a lot easier when you're at home, versus when you're still learning your surroundings and your environment."
For a rookie adjusting to everything that is the NFL, having that sense of comfort and a support system nearby gives Long an advantage most first-year players don't have. That goes especially for a city as unique and expansive as Los Angeles.
"I've been living here my entire life, so that's a blessing, and to my advantage," Long said. "I feel comfortable in this environment learning and evolving."
Check out what jersey numbers the rookies will be wearing. Numbers are subject to change.
A graduate of Loyola High School, Long will also be playing in a pretty familiar setting, as the L.A. Coliseum lies just over two miles from where he earned his diploma.
Given all this, Long is grateful just to have been drafted by his hometown team. And as he gets set to go to work as a professional, he sees the advantages of getting back to SoCal after three years in Ann Arbor.
"Yeah, I think that's a cool thing — just being at home. I can play a game and go to my brother's house, or go to my friend's house and kind of do things I did in high school," Long said. "It's crazy just knowing that I could play a game and go to my mom's house or go chill with my little brother, or whatever the case may be. It's just a blessing."
Check out photos of the Los Angeles Rams rookies arriving at the facility!
Defensive tackle (93) Marquise Copeland of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (84) Romello Brooker of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Assistant equipment manager Ben Bloomer builds helmets in the equipment room, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety Jake Gervase of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Guard (60) Brandon Hitner of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (27) Darrell Henderson of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (95) Troy Reeder of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (46) Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (62) Bryant Jones of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (51) Dakota Allen of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (15) Alex Bachman of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (48) Keenan Brown of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (86) Kendall Blanton of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (84) Romello Brooker of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Offensive lineman Matt Kaskey of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (10) Johnathan Lloyd of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (84) Romello Brooker of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (10) Johnathan Lloyd of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
XX of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety Jake Gervase of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Offensive lineman Matt Kaskey of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (91) Greg Gaines of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (27) Darrell Henderson of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (48) Keenan Brown of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (46) Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Jaques McClendon of the Los Angeles Rams greets rookies as they arrive, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
XX of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
XX of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
XX of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (91) Greg Gaines of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety Jake Gervase of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (95) Troy Reeder of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment and speaks to special teams coach John Fassel, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (91) Greg Gaines of the Los Angeles Rams speaks to Kevin Blank, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (91) Greg Gaines of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (84) Romello Brooker of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
XX of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (46) Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Offensive lineman Matt Kaskey of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Cornerback (41) David Long of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (95) Troy Reeder of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (51) Dakota Allen of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
XX of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (46) Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Offensive lineman Matt Kaskey of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (15) Alex Bachman of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (93) Marquise Copeland of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Offensive lineman Matt Kaskey of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (86) Kendall Blanton of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (84) Romello Brooker of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Cornerback (41) David Long of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (91) Greg Gaines of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Cornerback (41) David Long of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight ned (86) Kendall Blanton of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (27) Darrell Henderson of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (93) Marquise Copeland of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (27) Darrell Henderson of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (95) Troy Reeder of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tight end (86) Kendall Blanton of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (10) Johnathan Lloyd of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (27) Darrell Henderson of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (51) Dakota Allen of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Guard (60) Brandon Hitner of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Tackle (71) Bobby Evans of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (14) Nsimba Webster of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Safety (24) Taylor Rapp of the Los Angeles Rams arrives at Cal Lu to see his locker and try on his equipment, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
