Hoosiers Get Tight End Depth in Grad Transfer Bradley Archer

Written by: Zachary Greene (@zachegreene)

The Hoosiers offense picked up a critical piece to the offense in former Stanford Cardinal tight end Bradley Archer.

Standing at 6’3 255, Archer adds some much-needed experience and physicality to the offense. Last season as a senior, Archer appeared in 11 games but did not see much action. The season prior he made another 11 appearances making three receptions for 32 yards.

Archer never quite fit the mold for the Cardinal offense along with the departure of former Head Coach David Shaw. He’ll compete alongside the two veterans James Bomba and Aaron Steinfeldt for the TE1.

Out of Livermore High School, Archer was a consensus 4 star recruit who also played on the baseball diamond. He picked up offers from Stanford, Cal, Brown, and Washington. Archer can line up all over the field including the outside which he did plenty of times in high school. He brings an impressive run blocking ability which can be shown which the scheme that Stanford’s program has historically run.

His senior year of high school, he tallied 31 receptions for 500 plus yards and eight touchdowns. He also played on the defensive side of the ball tallying 98 tackles 3 of which were sacks.

247Sports analyst Blair Angulo wrote a scouting report about Archer coming out of high school.

Broad frame with wide upper body. Strong physically and impressive blocker. Gains separation over the middle by boxing out linebackers. Decent weapon in the red zone. Reliable hands and a solid route runner. Lacks explosiveness, but finds ways to get open. Could use seasoning as run blocker, but has tools to be effective. Chance to be an offensive weapon down the road and could draw NFL Draft looks.

Archer has a legitimate shot at being the Hoosiers starting tight end this season. At the very least he will be in the rotation. He’ll need to adapt quickly as he’s a late pick up but also a much needed one. Expect to hear his name as summer camp starts up soon.