AUBURN, Ala. – Nearly a decade after they first met as Auburn football teammates, former receivers Will Hastings and James Owens Moss reunited Saturday at Pat Dye Field.
Moss awarded his Hastings the 13th James Owens Courage Award, named after Moss’ grandfather and presented annually to a current or former Auburn football player who has displayed courage in the face of adversity, distinguishing himself while contributing to the betterment of Auburn University.
“I’m very honored to receive this award,” Hastings said. “I played with James Owens Moss. He’s one of the guys who helped me handle being an Auburn football player. Having him present it to me is an honor itself.
“Receiving an award named after James Owens, the first Black player here, is an honor. Mrs. Owens was telling me how hard it was for him. To be honored as this year’s recipient is so humbling.”
Arriving at Auburn from Little Rock, Arkansas, as a walk-on kicker in 2015, Hastings switched to slot receiver in 2016 and earned a scholarship the following season, in which he averaged 20.2 yards per reception on 26 catches, totaling 525 yards and four touchdowns.
Positioned for an even bigger year in 2018, Hastings instead underwent two knee surgeries that caused him to miss the season before returning with 19 receptions in 2019.
“I wanted to come back, be here for Auburn and do my best,” he said. “The love for Auburn. This place gave me a chance that no one else was going to. Giving back to Auburn with all the might I could.”
Now working in medical sales, Will and his wife, Gracie, are raising their family in Auburn.
“How much I love Auburn and how much it means to me,” he said. “We’re always willing to help Auburn and be here for them.”
After receiving the James Owens Courage Award, Hastings reflected on his favorite moment as a player – his first touchdown catch against Arkansas State in 2016 – and the emotions instantly returned.
“Looking around to the crowd and seeing all these amazing fans and the love of Auburn, and how big of a family it is,” he said. “I’ve got chills right now just thinking about it. I love this place.”
James Owens Courage Award winners:
2012: James Owens
2013: Zac Etheridge
2014: Lee Carpenter
2015: Shon Coleman
2016: Carl Lawson
2017: Terry Beasley
2018: Rev. Chette Williams
2019: Jawara White
2020: BrodarIous Hamm
2021: Randy Walls
2022: Dave Lyon
2023: William Andrews
2024: Will Hastings
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer