Clemson football signee to pass on college and play pro soccer instead
A Clemson football signee’s college career is over before ever stepping foot on campus.
Two-sport athlete Tanner Tessmann, who signed with the Tigers in December, will instead begin a pro soccer career.
Tessmann has signed a Homegrown contract with FC Dallas, according to a report. A Clemson official confirmed to The State Thursday afternoon that Tessmann is passing on college and plans to pursue a pro soccer career.
Tessmann impressed during a recruit football camp at Clemson to earn a scholarship offer.
He had been slated to play football and soccer for the Tigers, despite not playing high school football. He was ranked as a top 25 high school soccer player in the country, and Tigers football coach Dabo Swinney described him as an incredible athlete.
“This guy could probably come and be a scholarship receiver, a scholarship safety. I mean he is a big-time athlete,” Swinney said. “Could play college basketball, easily go play D-1 basketball. I mean he is a special athlete. One of the best I’ve ever seen, to be honest with you.”
This story was originally published February 27, 2020 at 3:39 PM.
