WESTWOOD, Ma. - The desire to play college baseball began in fourth grade for Cam Dayton.

“My family went on a vacation to Cape Cod and I saw the Cape Cod League,” Dayton reflected. “I saw all the college players there and that’s when I knew I wanted to play college baseball and I made that a goal to do. I’ve tried to do something every single day to help me play high-level baseball.”

A decision to reclassify has given the sixth-rated 2023 outfielder in New England more time to find the right place to go.

“I was a 2022 at Westwood but last spring, in my junior year at Westwood, I was accepted at Thayer,” noted Dayton.

It was a few months late during the summer when the recruiting process started heading in the right direction.

“It all began for me in July of 2021 before the Future Games,” Dayton said. “I was at the Boston Prospects Open and Fairfield liked what they saw.”

Then came the Future Games in Georgia the first week of August.

“I’m unbelievably grateful for everything PBR has done,” the 17th-ranked uncommitted 2023 in New England said. “The Future Games is something I’ll never forget. It’s a one-in-a-lifetime experience to play in front of that many coaches. Between NEB and PBR, I’ve gotten plenty of looks and I’m grateful to both.”

UMass-Amherst and UMass-Lowell joined Fairfield as schools showing interest in Dayton after the Future Games along with Tennessee and Notre Dame. Since then, Lafayette entered the picture and a visit was made to the Patriot League university.

“I really enjoyed it,” the Thayer Academy junior related. “I fell in love with the campus and the facilities are top notch. It’s a great academic school and I have an offer pending on my report card.”

But the 3.52 student, who is planning to major in business, economics or finance en route to a future in real estate or as a stock broker, is not looking to make a quick decision.

“I’m going to exercise all my options,” the 18-year-old explained. “I’m not in any rush. I recently joined NEB and I’ve been guided by Scott Peterson. I’m open to all options.”

There is plenty that the 5-11 175-pounder has to offer.

“Those I’ve talked with like my speed-power combo,” Dayton said. “I’ve got my 60 time to 6.60 and that translates to games where I can steal a lot of bases and take away a lot of hits in center field. They also like my ability to hit with my line-drive approach.”

Dennis Healy, PBR Massachusetts Director of Scouting, has admiration for what Dayton has shown on the field.

“Cam is a quick-twitch right-handed hitting outfielder,” Healy noted. “He’s a good runner with excellent overall instincts for the game.”

Defensive strides have been vital in stepping up his overall game.

“The biggest improvement I’ve made has come on defense,” Dayton noted. “I wasn’t that good at it in middle school and used to be a corner outfielder, but now I’m a center fielder. I have speed and my arm has really improved. My outfield velo was 70 in 2020 and it was 83 at the Future Games and I’m expecting it to rise.

“My hitting has also made a lot of improvements,” Dayton added. “Scott at NEB added more coil to my swing so I have a bigger load. My back arm was kind of loose but I’ve tightened that up.” 

Dayton, who is registered to attend the upcoming New England Procase on Feb. 12, is confident in what he can provide a program at the next level.

“I’m a guy every college should want,” Dayton explained. “I’m a leader by example. I never short-change myself in practice and I’m always giving 100 percent. I’m also very aggressive in-game, looking for steals or diving for baseballs in the field. I’m someone who puts the pedal to the meddle all the time.”

The hope is that a commitment will be made by July.

“I’m focusing every single day on improving myself,” Dayton concluded. “I want to be able to walk the walk, improve every day and hope attention comes with that. I’m open to all options and extremely grateful for the attention all the schools have given me.”