Jason played linebacker at Idaho during 1992-97 and is the program’s second-leading all-time tackler with 461. He led the team in tackles three of the four seasons he played and was chosen as the team’s Defensive MVP in both 1993 and ’96. He also was a first-team all-Big West Conference selection in 1996 and a second-team all-Big Sky pick in 1993.
Jason took over as the Vandals’ starting middle linebacker in the season opener of his freshman year after an injury to another player. He was named both the national Division I-AA and Big Sky Player of the Week for his performance against Utah when the Vandals knocked off the Utes 28-17. In that game, Shelt finished with a game-high 20 tackles and an interception. He finished his freshman year with 148 tackles, which tied him for the second-highest total at UI in a single season.
After a knee injury forced him to redshirt during the 1994 season, he came back strong during his final two seasons. He made 128 tackles and tied for team-high honors in interceptions with two during his senior year. He finished his career with seven interceptions and six fumble recoveries.