It is not really a regional phenomenon. It is school by school or conference by conference. For instance, in Ohio you have the NCAC and the OAC. Teams in the NCAC usually have roster sizes in the thirties. Sometimes less. In the OAC, rosters are usually in the 40's.
While most teams have JV squads, it id not as slugger dad describes. The JV teams usually play a few games in the early spring to get an extended look at players in a game situations. The JV games are usually complete shortly after teams get back from their spring trip.
Not that it is that easy to get and on and stay on a team. I know one team that brings in quite a few players in the fall and many do not make it to the spring, every year. At my sons old school if you were a recruted player you have at least two years to prove your self. At OWU a freshmans chance of playing changes from year to year. This year only one freshman is getting extended playing time. They have 5 seniors starting (they are the best players) and the other positions are taken up by sophomores and juniors. Next year there will be quite a better opportunity for playing time.
A lot of research is required when targetting schools. Each school is unique. Schools in the same conference or region of the country handles things in their own way. Some put more emphasis on winning, some it is merely to expand the student experience.