Lavert Hill 2015

Penn State recruit Lavert Hill visits during Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on April 18, 2015. Joe Hermitt, PennLive

Penn State receivers coach Josh Gattis said what happened at last night's Penn State men's hockey game was a trendsetting moment.

Others called it a recruiting violation.

In the aftermath of the Lions introducing four-star corner and onetime 2016 pledge Lavert Hill at Saturday night's hockey game, it does not appear that the program has committed a recruiting violation.

At least, it doesn't believe it did.

"We vetted tonight's appearance at hockey through our compliance office in advance and in this particular situation it is legal," a released statement said.

Hill is in town on an official visit to see head coach James Franklin and the rest of the Penn State staff. He is still expected to go to either Michigan or Michigan State when his recruitment is over, but the visit is a big deal because it indicates the Lions have at least something of a heart beat to get him back.

Otherwise, they will likely be playing against him for four years in the Big Ten East.

Four-star DB Lavert Hill gets a standing ovation while introduced at Pegula during his official visit to #PennState. pic.twitter.com/XedaX924FN — Jacob Kaucher (@jacobkaucher) January 16, 2016

The introduction (as seen in the tweet about) was initially believed to be a NCAA violation, as schools are not allowed to publicize their recruiting visitors and aren't allowed to recognize a recruit by name before he signs a National Letter of Intent.

But, as ESPN pointed out in 2014:

So, in December, the NCAA, in an attempt to close this loophole before it became a giant mess, ruled that only the program that first signs a prospect to a financial aid agreement is allowed to publicize the signing and text or call at free will. In theory, it should fix the problem. There's not much incentive to accept a recruit's second signature when only the first school reaps the reward.

Unsurprisingly, something the NCAA did to eliminate a "giant mess" turned into a perceived mess anyway. It is believed that Penn State signed Hill first to a financial aid agreement, and thus he could be announced at the game.

The NCAA has not commented on the matter.

Want to thank @SandyB_PSUAD for her help tonight! #WeAre in this together! Great administrative support, the foundation of an Elite Program! — Charles C. Huff (@CoachHuff) January 17, 2016

Penn State invades Pittsburgh

With uncertainty swirling about just how committed four-star Pittsburgh Woodland Hills back Miles Sanders is to Penn State, the program sent an army of staffers to his home to check in.

Franklin's entire offensive staff, including new line coach Matt Limegrover, visited with Sanders and his family on Saturday night, which led to his mom posting on social media that "we are still Penn State."

Corners coach and assistant head coach Terry Smith also visited the home Saturday morning.

Boobiemiles meet the new OFC and OL coach both from the burgh. pic.twitter.com/oxXmjQHNj0 — MarMar (@Mar71632565) January 17, 2016

Great night leaving the 4️⃣1️⃣2️⃣! The future is bright with great kids and great families! #WeAre — Josh Gattis (@Coach_Gattis) January 17, 2016