Grant Siebert didn’t realize at the time that learning to play center in youth flag football would pave the way for significant achievements as a high-school senior.
The Washington-Liberty Generals’ captain recently was chosen to the Virginia High School League’s Class 6 first-team on offense as the lone center. He is the first W-L offensive lineman chosen first-team all-state at any position in Josh Shapiro’s 19 seasons as the Generals’ head coach.
“We’ve had a lot of very good players not make all-state, and Grant did. That says a lot,” Shapiro told ARLnow.
What makes 6-foot-2, 285-pound Siebert’s selection more unique is the three-year varsity football starter on the offensive line was switched to center from guard for the 2025 season. He also didn’t begin playing tackle football until high school.
“I think Grant didn’t want to make the switch to center at first. But then he embraced the change and became very good and accomplished at the position,” Shapiro said. “Grant is a hard worker, a great kid and leader, and he is completely dedicated.”
Siebert said he struggled to learn the blocking techniques as a center at first.
“You have to learn to snap the ball, then fire off the line. That’s different from being a guard or tackle on the line,” Siebert said.
Siebert’s performance, size and quickness as an interior lineman caught the attention of multiple college teams. He recently decided to join the Division I Elon University squad as a preferred walkon. Among other Division I programs Siebert also drew interest from were Dartmouth, Yale, William and Mary, Villanova, Wake Forest, Richmond, Columbia and Bucknell.
“That’s a real good situation for Grant,” Shapiro said. “He’s a strong runner and a good blocker in pass protection. He’ll make the team.”
Said Siebert: “I went to a great camp at Elon, and I liked the coaches and the situation there. The second I get there, I will start to compete to play.”
Siebert said he has developed a good relationship with Elon offensive line coach Alex Stadler. That’s another reason he chose the North Carolina college.
In college, Siebert said he expects to compete to play as an offensive center or guard.
“I think my size best fits being an interior lineman,” Siebert said.
Siebert’s strength (he can bench press 290 pounds), standout play and strong blocking on the line led a productive running game by the Generals and helped Washington-Liberty upset the perennial region and state power Westfield Bulldogs early during the 2025 regular season.
Shapiro said the word spread about Siebert’s performance in that contest, and the publicity helped him earn first-team all-state honors.
In addition, Siebert was chosen first-team all-Liberty District and 6D North Region on offense this past season, and was a Washington Post honorable-mention selection on offense.
Siebert’s three seasons as a starter helped Washington-Liberty win district championships as a sophomore and junior, finish second in the region with a 12-1 record in 2024, and earn region playoff berths all three years.
His blocking performance this past season helped running back Brayden Black rush for 1,200 yards and quarterback Tyler Flint Steinig pass for 2,214.
Siebert is glad he stayed at Washington-Liberty. He was recruited to play at Washington Catholic Athletic Conference private-school power Gonzaga.
“We created a great bond at W-L the last few seasons,” Siebert said. “I loved being here.”
Even though flag football is a non-contact sport, looking back, Siebert said learning to play center, even just a little, on that level years ago helped him make the transition from guard to center for Washington-Liberty.
In addition to football, Siebert has thrown the shot put and discus for Washington-Liberty’s track and field teams in the past. He may do so again during the spring’s outdoor season.
