CHESTER, Vt. - The obstacles to a college baseball future are admittedly a challenge for Dylan McCarthy.

For starters, his home state of Vermont is not exactly a hotbed for recruitment.

“Kids that play in the south are more exposed to colleges and it’s easier for coaches to see you,” explained the 10th-rated 2023 in New England. “Vermont is far away from everything.”

Covid-19 added to the difficulty of getting looked at in 2020.

“I haven’t played a (high school) season because of covid so coaches can’t watch me play,” McCarthy said. “Hopefully, coaches will be at games this spring for me and my teammates.”

The Vermont Academy sophomore is doing his best to be prepared if and when that takes place.

“It’s 20 degrees in Vermont right now so you don’t go outside and throw,” McCarthy explained. “I’ve got a workout area in my house where I work out every day to get better. It gives me a chance. I’m stronger and bigger than before. I’m also running to stay in shape.”

A chance to play in the south with East Cobb Ga. Prime during the summer proved beneficial.

“I was blessed to have the opportunity to play in Georgia over the summer,” McCarthy noted. “Living there and playing in the south helped me a lot. I played with Connecticut Crush before that which had a great group of coaches that reached out to coaches as well. But a chance to play in the south, I just had to take that.”

Help with recruitment has also come from Mike Ewing.

“It's a little tough with the dead period,” McCarthy explained. “I have a recruiter who helps with reaching out and figuring out these times with the rules.”

PBR is another avenue McCarthy has taken in attempting to be seen by colleges.

“I love PBR, I’ve been doing PBR for years,” McCarthy related. “I’ve done multiple in Connecticut and now doing them in Vermont. There’s one coming up on Dec. 30. They really help me in getting my profile out there.”

The top-ranked 2023 in Vermont, who points to summer coach Mike Zilleox and high school coach Russ Williams as being a big part of his baseball development, is in no rush to make a decision.

“I know a bunch of 23s that are committed, but I want to make sure it’s the right fit,” McCarthy pointed out. “I want to see the college, but I know it’s tough with what the world is going through right now. It’s going to be hard, but I’d love to visit as many as I can that have an interest in me and that I have an interest in.

“I don’t think a virtual tour is for me,” McCarthy continued. “It’s not the same as getting on campus.”

The 6-2 190-pounder believes he can be an asset to any program at the next level.

“I work hard which puts me a step above some of the other kids,” the second-ranked sophomore right-handed pitcher in New England said. “I have good offspeed and my velo is okay. Hopefully, with hard work I’ll have a big jump.

“Mentally, I’m very strong on the mound,” McCarthy continued. “My mindset is big for me. I will get you out.”

Dennis Healy, PBR Vermont Director of Scouting, likes what he has seen in the 16-year-old from Chester.

Dylan is a sturdy and mature right-hander who shows the ability to throw all three pitches for strikes,” Healy said. “The command is solid and he continues to develop well and should pitch at a high level after high school.”

There is more that McCarthy can bring to a college program than just as a ballplayer.

“My academics are pretty strong and I can make friends fast,” noted McCarthy, a 3.35 student considering sport management or business as a college major. “My dad is the recruiting director in the town where we live and I help kids there. It’s great to help out the community. I’ve had parents come up to me and say they really like me, which is nice to hear. So I think I can bring a good vibe to the team.”

McCarthy has also had influence from a mother who is a teacher.

“Our whole family wants to help the community and help out kids,” McCarthy said.

When McCarthy was younger, he developed a love for sports.

“In sixth or seventh grade I wanted to play college basketball but my eighth grade year my gears switched to college baseball and trying to make it as far as I can,” McCarthy reflected. “I have family and friends that have done that and I want to as well.

“I’d love to be committed by the beginning of senior year,” McCarthy continued. “It’s about finding the right fit. Maybe the time comes earlier or maybe it comes later, I just want to make sure academically, athletically and community-wise it is right. It has to be perfect to make that decision.”