University of Hawaii linebacker Malachi Mageo’s 16th year was a dark age.

It was the summer before his junior year at Serra High in Carson, Calif., when his football dreams hemorrhaged from a knife’s piercing to his gut from a street fight.

Mageo suffered widespread internal damage.

"I lost a lot of blood," Mageo recalled. "My (left) kidney was cut, and the doctors had to remove it. I lost my appendix, too."

Mageo also suffered peripheral nerve damage. His left leg was numb from the quadriceps to the ankle.

"I couldn’t walk," Mageo said.

In the hush of a Los Angeles hospital, a doctor told Mageo: "You will never play football again."

Mageo recalled the emotional abyss.

"I was depressed," Mageo said. "It was a real dark time in my life."

He would miss his entire junior season.

Through intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy, Mageo slowly regained feeling — and then strength — in his left leg.

His body began to adjust to the loss of a kidney. After several months, all that remained was a dark vertical scar coursing his abdomen.

One day, Mageo accepted an invitation from cousin Felecia to attend a service at Great Life Church in Carson.

"I turned my life," Mageo said. "It’s a new walk in life. I’m brand new."

Mageo then defied doctors’ orders.

"They said I wouldn’t be able to play ever again," Mageo said. "But Jesus had other plans."

Mageo played as a Serra senior. He received one college offer. Actually, Weber State offered a partial scholarship.

But the UH coaches studied videos, spoke to Serra coaches, then had a long talk with Mageo. The Warriors saw beyond Mageo’s build — 6 feet 2, 180 pounds — and beneath the tough-guy facade. UH coach Norm Chow offered Mageo a scholarship.

"It was a blessing," Mageo said.

Mageo joined the Warriors as an outside linebacker in July. The plan called for Mageo to spend a redshirt year improving his strength and defensive knowledge. But the Warriors incurred several injuries at inside linebacker last season. Twice, two inside linebackers played entire games. Mageo, who moved to inside linebacker, earned a spot on the travel roster.

"We had a lot of men go down," Mageo said. "I was one of the last resorts. They were trying to save my redshirt year."

Mageo, who did not appear in any games, now has four years to play four seasons.

"He’s a great kid," UH linebacker Lance Williams said. "We always take care of him. We take care of everybody. We’re all God’s children."

Mageo entered spring training weighing 210 pounds. He is in the rotation at inside linebacker.

Mageo said he emerged from a neighborhood infested with drugs and gang activity.

"My whole life has been kind of crazy," Mageo said. "It’s like a movie. I don’t think people understand it. It’s such a blessing to be here."

Mageo’s first name comes from the last book in the Old Testament. It translates roughly to "the messenger."

Williams said Mageo is an inspiration to teammates. "We love that guy to death," Williams said. "He’s part of our family."