Recruiting can be a challenging process, as young people are forced to make complicated, life-changing decisions based on any number of factors and data points.

Sifting through all the information and recruiting pitches and ultimately making the right decision can be a difficult—but necessary—process for any high school athlete navigating the journey toward playing football at the next level.

Todderick Hunt, a recruiting expert for NJ.com, recently published a comprehensive and informative guide for athletes looking to avoid common pitfalls of the recruiting process.

Hunt described 25 mistakes that all high school football recruits should attempt to avoid as they manage their recruitment.

Here is a sampling of the mistakes Hunt points out:

Not knowing what level of recruit you are. Hunt argues that recruits need to have an honest assessment of themselves and where they project to play in college. High school coaches can help provide good feedback in this department. Also, the schools interested in a recruit are often good indicators of what level recruit a player might be. In other words, if a recruit is hearing only from Division III schools, it’s unlikely that recruit has the hallmarks of a Division I player.

MORE: Handling recruiting at small high schools

Offer envy. Hunt advises recruits to focus only on their own recruitment and not to be too concerned with the recruitment of those around them.

“You don't know what other recruits have going on in the background that could have either opened them up to an offer or prevented them from getting one,” he said.

Each recruitment is different and possesses its own set of variables. Hunt cautions recruits to only worry about their own recruitment.

Taking unnecessary risks. Hunt has seen scenarios where committed recruits begin exploring other possibilities with schools they have yet to offer them, while remaining committed to the initial school of their choice. This can lead to the original school withdrawing the offer and the new school never actually extending an offer—leaving the recruit in a very tough spot.

“Don't let this be you. If a school really wants you, they will offer you,” said Hunt. “So if they don't think enough of you to do so, visiting said school is certainly not worth blowing an opportunity with a school that has been loyal to you all along.”

Coming off negative or displaying lack of character. Hunt believes that some recruits can unknowingly sabotage their recruitment with simple acts that can be avoided. For example, Hunt suggests athletes always be on time for meetings and phone calls and avoid talking negatively about other players, coaches or schools.

SEE ALSO: Want to ruin your football dreams? Ignore academics

Waiting too long to commit. One mistake that Hunt sees recruits make is simply waiting too long to pull the trigger.

Sure, it’s wise to take one’s time and not rush the process. But offers from colleges are usually only good for a limited time.

“As schools fill those slots, they (offers) are no longer available,” said Hunt. “So just because a school extends an offer doesn't mean that it will be commit-able a month from then. It might not even make it one week. So be vigilant and play it smart.”

Click here to check out all 25 mistakes Hunt thinks recruits need to avoid.