Alabama Native Would Rather Play For FC Dallas Than Clemson Football

FC Dallas signed midfielder Tanner Tessmann to a three-year contract with club options for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, making him the 28th Homegrown Player in the organization.

By signing the contract, the 18-year-old is giving up his chance to vie for the kicking duties at Clemson.

A lot of thought went in to @frantanjam5's decision to choose FC Dallas over Clemson.

"I had to do what's best for me at the end of the day. I'm sorry to Clemson fans." #DTID | #SomosFCD pic.twitter.com/K109Mp4rx0

— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) February 28, 2020

Financial terms weren't disclosed.

"Tanner has been a great player in our Academy," said Dan Hunt, FC Dallas president. "We know he had a wonderful opportunity at Clemson University, and we're pleased he chose the professional path here at FC Dallas."

An Alabama native, Tessmann signed his national letter of intent to play soccer at Clemson in December and also intended to play football. Coach Dabo Swinney is a friend of the Tessmann family and said in December "he could bomb it 45 to 50 yards in the eighth grade."

Tessmann joined the FC Dallas Academy in 2016 and scored 25 goals in 67 United States Soccer Development Academy appearances, including 55 starts. He helped to lead FC Dallas to the U-18/U19 Academy Championship in 2018-19.

"I'm excited to get started," Tessmann said in a news release. "Signing a professional contract has been a goal of mine since I moved to Texas to join the Academy at 14 years old."

. @frantanjam5#DTID | #SomosFCD pic.twitter.com/HJ025IYjEH

— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) February 27, 2020

He made his professional debut last April with the North Texas Soccer Club and played in 16 matches, including the USL League One final against Greenville Triumph SC on Oct. 19. He also is eligible to compete for a roster spot on the U.S. 2021 team for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

(Field Level Media)