[1][2] However, with no exposure to international recruiters, Vrede did not receive any offers to play college football after graduating from high school.

[1] Over the next two years, he carried luggage at an Amsterdam airport, coached flag football, and managed a gym to make enough money for a potential move to the United States.

[1] He began sending his highlight film to American junior colleges and attended football camps in Germany to attract attention from coaches.

[4][5] He also helped the Falcons upset an unbeaten Shasta College team in the 2016 NCFC American Division Bowl, tallying nine tackles in the 20–14 comeback victory.

[13] Vrede signed with the Redblacks in late April,[9] and officially made the roster after final cuts were announced a week before the start of the 2021 season.