Texas A&M running back Darren Lewis tries to wrestle more yards before being stopped by Roger Fritcher of Texas during the second half of their game in Austin, Texas, Nov. 25, 1988. Lewis, the nation's number two rusher, carried the ball for 212 yards. Texas A&M all-time leading rusher Darren Lewis has died of cancer, the school announced Friday. He was 55.A two-time All-American, Lewis also remains the top rusher in Southwest Conference history.
Nicknamed “Tank,” Lewis finished tied for eighth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1990 when he broke the Southwest Conference career rushing record previously held by SMU’s Eric Dickerson, who ran for 4,450 yards. That season earned him his second All-America honor. Born in Dallas, Lewis played at local power Carter High School and went on to Texas A&M. He had the top two rushing seasons for the Aggies before Trayveon Williams broke his record, rushing for 1,760 in 2018.
He never tested positive after being drafted by the Bears. He played in 33 games with five starts, rushing for 431 yards.