i think he can drop the amount of fat in 12 weeks...remeber he is 20 years old..metabolism like crazy. when i did a show at that old i didnt even do cardio. he isnt pro he is just a kid doing a novice show to have fun...it is good experience.
the cycle is probably too much...but it is just a starting out point...he could take things out or add some depending on him...i think most of that is neseccary for a show.
and i am a true believer that you can gain muscle going into a show even on a low carb diet. i mean nothing drastic...maybe a couple pounds. he stilll has a about 12 weeks till he has to start dieting.