It takes a lot to impress Jon Hood these days.

As a part of John Calipari’s 2009 freshman class that sent a record five players to the first round of the NBA Draft and a member on last year’s Final Four team, he’s seen it all when it comes to freshman sensations.

So what does Hood, now a junior, think about Calipari’s next crop of first-year wonders? Hood nearly blushed as he gushed about the 2011 freshmen.

“Coach Cal talks about that swagger,” Hood said, “all of them got it – every last one of them. They’re unbelievable. They’re absolute athletes.”

Picking a standout would be an injustice for Hood since they’ve all been that good, but Anthony Davis may be the best example of the pure athleticism Hood spoke of. Davis, ranked the top overall player in the 2011 class by Rivals.com, is a 6-foot-10 forward with point guard skills.

“In one of the pickup games, I threw one almost to the top of the backboard and he caught it and dunked it,” Hood said. “He catches everything and blocks everything. And after he blocks you, he will point at you and tell you that he’s the best defensive player in the country.”

Hood has been impressed with Davis’ athleticism, Marquis Teague’s speed, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s hard work and Kyle Wiltjer’s shooting touch. He also makes sure to mention that newcomer Ryan Harrow, who must sit out the 2011-12 season after transferring from N.C. State, is as good as advertised.

But how does it compare to the 2009 class that featured him, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton? Time will tell, Hood says.

“We had some studs, didn’t we?” Hood said. “All of those guys I came in with went in the draft, in the first round. Time will tell how these guys are. You put that four of John, Eric, DeMarcus and Daniel up against Kyle, Marquis, Anthony and Mike … it’d make a good game.”

As talented as both classes are, Hood said you can’t compare them because they’re a different style of players, much the same way Brandon Knight differed from Wall. While everyone was quick to try to make comparisons of the two Calipari guards, Knight quietly went about his business and led Kentucky to its first Final Four since 1998.

“They specialize in different things,” Hood said. “It’s like driving a manual. John had it broke off in sixth gear and he could get there real quick. Brandon could shift pretty quickly and he was pretty fast. Marquis is like, oh my. He changes speed as good as any player I’ve seen.”

The same thing can be said about Davis and Cousins. Davis is a freak athlete, but Cousins was an immovable object in the post.

“Anthony isn’t near as big as DeMarcus and Daniel,” Hood said. “Those were big boys. Anthony would be able to outrun them, but down low, I don’t know.”

Hood doesn’t know who would win a do-or-die game of freshman classes, but the scenario has certainly crossed his mind.

“I’d love to see that four on four,” he said.