Former Texas A&M running back Darren Lewis, the all-time leading rushing leader in Aggies’ football, dies at age 55 from cancer [Video]

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Darren Lewis, the Texas A&M star who broke Eric Dickerson’s Southwest Conference rushing record before addiction derailed his football career and post-football life, died Thursday night from cancer. He was 55.

Lewis, who was a star at Dallas’ powerhouse Carter High School, was among the country’s top prospects in 1987, often mentioned alongside Emmitt Smith. He rushed for 5,012 yards in 1987-1990, breaking Dickerson’s mark (previously held by Earl Campbell) of 4,450 yards before bowl statistics were included. He finished his career fifth on the NCAA career rushing list, behind Tony Dorsett, Charles White, Herschel Walker, and Archie Griffin.

A two-time All-American while in College Station, “Tank,” as he was known because of his punishing running style, is still 1,309 yards ahead of second place on the career rushing list at Texas A&M.

But during the NFL draft process, Lewis said he was exposed to cocaine at parties, and by …